Jump to content

ArmyMom46

Members
  • Posts

    51
  • Joined

  • Last visited

Contact Methods

  • Website URL
    http://
  • ICQ
    0
  • Yahoo
    cdawn_mann

Country

  • Interests
    Reading, computers, gardening

Recent Profile Visitors

1,575 profile views

ArmyMom46's Achievements

Newbie

Newbie (1/14)

0

Reputation

  1. I drink tea, coffee, and cocoa - decaf only. I am allergic to caffeine, so I have no idea if the caffeine would help with the POTS.
  2. I live in Colorado Springs and go to Colorado Springs Cardiologists. They have 3 electrophysiologists in the practice who are very knowledgeable about POTS. One of them is the head of the practice, Dr. Michael Barber. I highly recommend these doctors. I have never been made to feel like a number or that they didn't have time for me. In fact, I've been amazed at how long they will take with me during an appointment. I've had 15 minute appointments that have lasted an hour. Their website is www.cscardiologists.com.
  3. I've been fortunate in that, except with the first crash that brought on the diagnosis, I am able to work full-time. I work for DHS doing Food Assistance and Medicaid. At my last visit, my electrophysiologist prescribed a mobility scooter for when I want to go out - but not a work yet, changed my meds, and suggested that I no longer use a desk chair. I also have a wheelchair for those times my husband and I don't want to mess with the scooter. Instead of a desk chair, I use a large exercise ball as my chair. This way I have more movement and not as much blood pooling. Fortunately, I don't have to walk much for work. And I've told my teammates about my POTS. They wanted to know if they would need to call 9-1-1, so I told them "If I'm face down, call 9-1-1-. If I'm on my back, don't worry about it -- I put myself there." My teammates are good at noticing when I am in brain fog, lightheaded, etc., and taking care of me when I try to do too much. I miss work occasionly, or have to go home early, because of a POTS episode, but I miss less work than most of my co-workers who are "normal." Of course, the weekend is "crash" time. I rarely do any of the work around the house, because I conserve my strength so I can continue to work.
  4. When I had to fly from Colorado to California for my daughter's wedding last year, my POTS doctor recommended that I let the airlines know I needed a wheelchair from gate to gate. That was such a big help. When I get off the plane I am so dizzy. Not even my cane or hanging onto my husband helps me stay upright. I plan to let the airlines know I need wheelchair assistance when I fly to Maryland in April for the birth of my first "biological" grandchild.
  5. You might also check with your local Department of Human Services and ask about Medicaid.
  6. I used to belong to Slim & Tone, which is like Curves. You spend 1 min on each machine (which aren't hard to do). Between each machine is the cardio (balls, trampoline, jogging board, step) for 1 min. I loved the work out, and it was working for me. But once the POTS hit me, I can't do it any more. The cardio wipes me out before the first minute is over. I would love to be able to do it again, but that's not in my forecast right now.
  7. Tammy - I'm in the minority that can't do the caffeine either. I'm allergic to it. So I have to settle for the taste of coffee (and none of the benefits) by drinking decaf. I haven't had coffee, tea, chocolate in over 15 years. I do take Midodrine daily. It doesn't give me a "charge" when I take it, but if I forget a dose, I sure notice the effect of not having it.
  8. He arrived home safely on January 1. His welcome home ceremony was at 4 a.m. It is so great having him back home. He is on a pass until the 8th. Later this month he will have 2-3 weeks of leave. I was going to post a picture, but I can't figure out how. My mind's not working too well.
  9. He called us about 4:20 this morning. He is in Kuwait now. He will fly out of there tomorrow, and should arrive here about 1-1:30 a.m. on Jan. 1.
  10. Thank you all. He is my HERO!
  11. The new babies are adorable!
  12. My son called us from Iraq on Christmas to wish us a Merry Christmas. He also told us he should be home by New Year's. YIPPEE!!! Thank God for keeping him safe during this tour in Iraq.
  13. I don't know about altitude effects on POTS. I live in Colorado Springs where the altitude is about 6,500 ft, so I am always at high altitude. Right now I'm visiting my mom in Oklahoma and I haven't noticed any change in my symptoms from being here versus at home.
  14. I have problems with this, too. Usually they appear for unknown reasons. I've also noticed that when my skin is extremely dry and I'm scratching a lot, I end up with huge (fist sized) bruises. Then I tell my husband he needs to quit hitting me. (If you knew Daryl, you would definitely know that's a joke. He has always treated me with kid gloves.)
  15. This summer I couldn't tolerate the heat - I cranked the air conditioner and froze my family, and carried a fan with me. Now that it's so cold here in Colorado Springs, I can't get warm. My hands are like ice. I've been trying to wear gloves with the tips cut off to try to keep my hands warm while at work, but it doesn't help a lot. Last night I had the fireplace going, in addition to the central heat, and huddled under an afghan, and still couldn't get warm enough. Seems like it's either feast or famine!
×
×
  • Create New...